Obituaries from June 2021

Nira Joyce McNeely, 87, of Poplar Bluff passed away Monday, May 31, 2021, at her residence. Nira was born August 31, 1933, in Poplar Bluff to Charles and Janie Owens. She and Charles ‘Chuck’ McNeely were married June 8, 1952, at Second Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. He survives...

Kevin Ray Dean, 54, of Qulin, Missouri, passed away May 27, 2021 in the Southeast Hospital at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was born November 17, 1966 at Poplar Bluff, Missouri to the Jesse Dean and Linda (Pickett) Dean. He is survived by, his mother, Linda Dean; one son, Isaiah Dean, of Springfield, Missouri; two sisters, Tina Garrett of Naylor, Missouri and Peggy Ledford of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; one brother, Keith Dean of Poplar Bluff, Missouri as well as several nieces and nephews...

Kenneth W. Riddle, age 80, of Wappapello, Missouri, died Sunday, May 30, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Riddle was born February 22, 1941 in Portageville, Missouri, son of the late Harold and Mary Riddle. On March 21, 1988, he married Glenda Harrison. She survives...

Donnie Carter, age 50, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Saturday, May 29, 2021 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. He was born December 20, 1970 in Coos Bay, Oregon, the son of Donell Carter and Lorraine (Sanders) Carter. Donnie had formerly lived in Piedmont where he attended Clearwater High School. He was married to Angie Watson October 17, 2020 at Poplar Bluff and worked for the Mid Continent Nail Corp...

Marilyn Harris, 74, of Fort Worth, Texas passed away Thursday May 27, 2021 at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. Marilyn was born April 8, 1947 to Herbert and Veda Lamkin in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. After marriage to William Harris, Marilyn became a homemaker with two kids and helped her husband in his business. Later, she joined Motorola with her daughter and had one of the best times of her life...

Ronald Lee Briggs, 63, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021 at his home. Mr. Briggs was born on October 2, 1957 in Granite City, Illinois to the late Elmer and Ethel Briggs. Ronald had worked as a baker for 35 years. He enjoyed woodworking, building furniture, baking, traveling, repairing things, bowling, glass etching, karaoke, going to the show and attending his grandchildren’s events. He also loved his dog baby...

Linda Smith, 65, of Mill Spring, died Thursday, May 27, at her son’s residence. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 4, at Carson Hill Cemetery, Mill Spring. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

Louise Hastings Ballard, 87, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at her home in Jackson. She was born March 19, 1934, in Poplar Bluff, to Odie and Eva Taylor Settlemoir. She and Welton Hastings were married July 18, 1953. Three daughters were born to their union. They had been married 33 years when Welton passed away October 1, 1986. She later married Paul Ballard and they had been married 10 years when Paul passed away...

Bobby Ray Burch Sr., son of the late Cecil Ray Burch and Lucille Bilderback Burch, was born on September 12, 1940 in Essex, Missouri and departed this life on June 2, 2021 at his home in Wappapello, Missouri, at the age of 80 years. Mr. Burch was a former truck driver for Monarch Feed and a volunteer for the Wappapello Fire Department. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Wappappello...

Marvin Knuckles, age 92, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Nixa, Missouri. Marvin was born on September 6, 1928, in Shannon County, Missouri to the late Sterling Price Knuckles and Florence (Sconce) Knuckles. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, and follower of Christ. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher...

Lamarr J. ‘Poogin’ Millis passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 3, 2021 following a short illness. Poogin was born on January 2, 1933, in Ellsinore, Missouri to the late Jodie and Sybil Millis. He drove a truck as an owner/operator for over 60 years. In his younger days when he wasn’t working, he could be found on his boat indulging in his lifelong love of fishing. He also enjoyed camping, riding his 4-wheeler and spending time with his family and friends...

Berry Wayne Hinkle, 77, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away June 2, 2021. He was born January 7, 1944 at Corning, Arkansas to the late James Daniel Hinkle and Ivory (Hafferty) Hinkle. He is survived by five children, Ivory (Jack) Bergeron, Debbie Johnson, James Russell Johnson, Samantha Kay Hinkle and Cody Wayne Hinkle. ...

David L. Miller, 81, of West Covina, California, passed away on May 24, 2021. David was born on April 20, 1940, to Lewis and Gayle Miller in Sikeston, Missouri. His family would later move to Poplar Bluff, Missouri. After graduating from Poplar Bluff High School in 1958, he would go on to get a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Union University. At Union, he pledged the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon...

David H. Wendel, 69, of Panama City Beach, Florida, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021. David was born on October 17, 1951 in Granite City, Illinois. He was raised in Kimmswick, Missouri and attended St. Pius High School. He went on to graduate from the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and to own his own Pharmacy in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. David was extremely active in Elks as Exalted Ruler and collector of Elk Memorabilia...

Howard Rogers Francis left his body peacefully while sleeping May 11, 2021 one month after his 94th birthday. The youngest of four children, his family moved to Poplar Bluff, Missouri when he was in the 5th grade. He graduated in 1945 from PBHS where he lettered every year in football and track...

Jenifer Denette (Mondy) Jackson, age 46, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Friday, June 4, 2021 surrounded by family at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Jackson was born November 2, 1974 in Poplar Bluff. She is survived by her husband, Edwin Jackson; her father and mother, Paul and LaDonna Mondy of Fisk; two brothers, Tim (Laura) Mondy of Centralia, Illinois and Chris (Andrea) Mondy of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; one stepdaughter, Jessica Jackson; one step son, Tanner Jackson and one stepgrandchild, Jocelyn all of Poplar Bluff; three nieces, Jessica (Joshua) Johnson, Rebekah Mondy and Ashtyn Mondy; one nephew, Joshua (Jessica) Mondy and two great-nephews, Gideon and Elijah.. ...

Octavia Rain Allen was born on June 3, 2021, at 3:30 a.m. at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. She weighed 6lbs, 14oz and was 18.5 inches long. She returned into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at 3:45 a.m. She is survived by her parents, Joshua Allen and Raven King; grandparents, Brenda Murray, John Murray, Ira and Crystal King and Shannon Allen; great-grandparents, Gary and Linda Allen, Teresa and Jimmy Sexton, Bob Leonard, Sharon Allen, Patricia Turner and John and Donna Murray, Elizabeth Davies; four aunts, Camryn Murray, Brittnie Allen, Patience King and Heather Allen; three uncles, Gage Merideth, Maddox King and Colton Murray and numerous cousins.. ...

Judith A. Smith, age 78, of Poplar Bluff, died Friday June 4, 2021 at Barnes Jewish Hospital. Mrs. Smith was born November 19, 1942 in Indianapolis, Indiana, daughter of the late Cletus and Mildred Schneider. She was an elementary school teacher for most of her life and retired from the Poplar Bluff School system in 2003...

Karin Kay Telle, 55, of Tampa, Florida, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Melech Hospice House in Temple Terrace, Florida. Karin, the daughter of Clinton ‘Tom’ Telle of Mesa, Arizona and Donna Reed of Columbia, Missouri, was born September 1, 1965, in Poplar Bluff. ...

Cecil Norman Cate, 93, of Greenville, Missouri, passed away June 6, 2021 at home. Mr. Cate was born October 4, 1927 in Hickoria, Arkansas. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a post WWII veteran. He was retired from ABF where he was a teamster dock worker. ...

Bonita Pearl Hargate was born on April 2, 1942 and lived a wonderful life of 79 years, parting this earth on June 3, 2021 at her home in Harviell, Missouri while surrounded by her loved ones. Born in Portageville, Missouri to Florence Birdwell and Edith Crockett, she had 11 siblings altogether. ...

Catherine Evelyn Gutterman, 94, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Catherine was born on October 30, 1926, to Mike and Katherine Glad in Johnston City, Illinois. She married John Clay Gutterman on June 8, 1946, in Johnston City, Illinois...

Stanley William Summers, son of Stanley Steven Summers and Patricia Ann Nettles, was born on Thursday, August 12, 1976 in Dexter, Missouri and departed this life on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Missouri at the age of 44 years, 10 months and 26 days...

Terry Lee Levart of Poplar Bluff was called home June 9, 2021. Mrs. Levart, the daughter of Oran Lemons and Betty Talley (August), was born in Parma, Missouri July 21, 1949. Mrs. Levart was a member of the Palace Of Praise Church in Poplar Bluff. She was preceded in death by both parents and one brother. Johnny Lemons...

A Celebration of Life for Stanley Summers will be from 3-8 p.m. Friday, June 18 in the park on the south side by McDonald’s in Poplar Bluff. There will be music and songs, pictures of his life and just talking about all the things you remember about Stanley...

Shirley Simmons Myatt, 90, of Madisonville, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Deaconess Gateway in Newburgh, Indiana. She was born on August 2, 1930 in Clinton, Kentucky to the late Nona Batts Simmons and William Egbert Simmons. Shirley was the former owner and operator of Myatt’s Drapery Service in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She enjoyed hand stitching quilts and reading...

Floyd ‘Smoky’ Swope, 84, of Coldwater, died Monday, June 7, 2021 at Mercy Hospital South. Visitation is at noon, Sunday, June 13 at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Chapel. Funeral following at 2 p.m., also in Greenville Chapel. Burial in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Silva...

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Louise Aubuchon, 70, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Thursday, June 10, 2021, at her home in Poplar Bluff. Peggy was born on November 23, 1950, to Martin and Ida Hemmerlein in Poplar Bluff. She married Raymond Aubuchon on June 22, 1978, in Poplar Bluff...

Michael Lee Vandermark Sr., age 71, of Hendrickson, Missouri, died Friday, June 11, 2021, at his residence. Mr. Vandermark was born April 2, 1950, in Broseley, Missouri, son of the late Willard ‘Duck’ and Pauline (Cole) Vandermark. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Lynn Vandermark; two sons, Michael Lee (Ambie) Vandermark, Jr. ...

Billy Ray Mikel, 58, of Williamsville, Missouri passed away on June 11, 2021 at his home in Williamsville. He was born on October 24, 1962 to James Mikel and Sue Hicks Crum (Thrasher) in Clarkton, Missouri. Billy enjoyed helping people, hunting, fishing, farming and building things...

Teddy B. McCombs, 61, of Neelyville, Missouri, passed away June 11, 2021, in Doniphan, Missouri. He was born January 12, 1960, to the late Ted McCombs Sr. and Florence Brownlee McCombs, in Marked Tree, Arkansas. On November 8, 2002 He was married to Cindy Murray in Neelyville. She survives...

Franklin Delano Davidson born November 2, 1936 to the late Harry and Agnes Davidson was taken into the arms of Jesus on June 11, 2021. He had attained the age of eighty-four years, seven months and nine days. Frank had seven dear siblings, May Bruce, Helen Slaughter, Dennis Davidson, Wanda Davidson, Maggie Tidwell, Alvie Davidson and Judy Davidson...

Margaret Jane LaPlante, age 84, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, died Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at Oakdale Care Center, in Poplar Bluff. Ms. LaPlante was born August 22, 1936 in Poplar Bluff, daughter of the late Andrew Jackson and Sheba Hannah Rice. She is survived by her three children, Roger and Arden LaPlante, and Ann Andrews. Per the family’s request there will be no public funeral services...

Sharon Lee Hawkins, age 66, passed away June 13, 2021 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was born February 7, 1955 in Poplar Bluff, daughter of the late James Casey and Mary Lee Gamble Casey. She was a member of First Christian Church of Poplar Bluff...

Ken ‘Kenny’ Parker, 79, of Hillsboro, Missouri, formerly from Piedmont, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Delmar Gardens South Skilled Nursing Facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Visitation for Kenny will be held Saturday, June 19 from 10 a.m. ...

Thomas Lewis Pruitt, 81, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Monday, June 14, 2021, at Westwood Hills Health & Rehabilitation in Poplar Bluff. Thomas was born on March 30, 1940, to Lewis and Marjorie Pruitt in St. Louis, Missouri. He married Deborah Lynn (Hancock) on May 28, 1993, in Butler County, Missouri...

Katie N. Maulden, 20, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021. She was born November 29, 2000 in Poplar Bluff to John Maulden and Kimberly Starnes. She was a lifetime resident of Poplar Bluff. Her interests were going camping and attending demolition derbies but enjoyed time with family the most...

William Ellis Kirk 86, of Wappapello, died June 15, 2021 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was born June 12, 1935 in Guy Arkansas to the late Mark and Dulsa Von (Battles) Kirk. On Nov. 6, 1954 he was united in marriage to Marjorie Cawood in Blue Springs, Nebraska. She preceded him in death...

Norma Jean Boyles of Fisk, Missouri passed away June 15, 2021 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Ms. Boyles was born August 16, 1937, in Dexter, Missouri to the late Elmer and Noma Glenn. Norma married Charles Boyles on June 25, 1955 in Dexter until his death on August 29, 2018. ...

Lola Faye Luten, 79, of Des Arc, Missouri, died Thursday, June 17, 2021, at her residence. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 21 at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the Piedmont Chapel. Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery, Des Arc...

Carl Ray Runyon, 70, passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021, at his home in Owensboro, Ky. He was born in Poplar Bluff, Mo., June 12, 1951, to the late Edwin and Betty Runyon. Edwin was a General Baptist Minister and Editor of the General Baptist Press. Along with his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his brother John Runyon...

William Ray Hall, 67, of Corning, Arkansas, passed away June 18, 2021 at home. Mr. Hall was born March 1, 1954 in Piggott, Arkansas. He was a fun loving, hardworking man who took great pride in his family, his military career as well as his career as a cable technician and over the road truck driver. He gave his time freely and generously to his family, friends and community. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, collecting coins and traveling in his free time...

Virginia Sue Davis, 90, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021. Virginia was born on July 16, 1930, to Joseph and Virgie Ranzie, in Lamar, Arkansas. She married Carl Davis in October of 1961, in Poplar Bluff. Virginia was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus for many years. She enjoyed fishing, gardening and homemade wine making with her late husband. She was also a talented quilter...

Shirley Jean Acre, age 81, of Broseley, Missouri, died Monday, June 21, 2021 at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell, Missouri. Mrs. Acre was born Saturday, April 20, 1940 in Qulin, daughter of the late Robert and Margaret (King) Medlin. Shirley was a member of Black River General Baptist Church where she served as church clerk for several years. ...

Michael Eugene Jones Sr., 59, of Poplar Bluff, passed away after a lengthy illness on Monday, June 21, 2021 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Michael was born on July 10, 1961 in St. Louis, Missouri to Clarence Buril and Charolette Marie Jones...

Carol Wayne Taylor, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away June 16, 2021 at his home, surrounded by loving family and friends. Mr. Taylor was born November 28, 1942 in Poplar Bluff to Russel and Ollie (Sims) Taylor, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are three brothers, Richard, Ivan and Jerry Taylor, and daughter-in-law, Barb Taylor...

Clement Wayne ‘Clem’ Root, 85, of Little River, Kansas, passed away June 17, 2021 at Sandstone Heights Nursing Home in Little River. He was born August 5, 1935 in Geneseo, Kansas, the son of Roy ‘Red’ and Hazel Root. Clem resided in Lyons, Kansas for the past 21 years, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. ...

Phillip R. Tanner, 36, of Greenville, Missouri, passed away Monday, June 21, 2021, in Greenville. Visitation will be Friday, June 25 from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville. Burial will follow at Cowan Cemetery, Lowndes, Missouri...

Clara Ruth Pratt Deters, 77, of lola, Kansas, previously of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away on June 21 , 2021 , at Windsor Place, in lola, Kansas. She was born June 25, 1943 to Lewis and Arlene Pratt in Ironton, Missouri. She was a member of Township Line Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, in Poplar Bluff...

Donald Rex Berry, age 55, resident of Coweta, Oklahoma (formerly of Poplar Bluff, Missouri) went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday morning, June 12, 2021. Donny was born March 31, 1966 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the son of Dennis Rexford and Ruth Ann Berry. He enjoyed cycling, hunting, fishing and camping. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed...

Vermell Catherine Sanders went to her eternal reward on June 25, 2021 in Willard, Missouri. She was born November 24, 1936 in Clayborn Arkansas, to the late Jesse & Eva Foust. Her childhood was spent in the companion of her eight siblings in Heber Springs, Arkansas. ...

Fred Carr Jr., 80, died Thursday, June 17, 2021 at his home in Broseley, Missouri. He was born in Fisk on April 2, 1941 to the late Fred and Maxine Carr. Fred is survived by his wife, Hope and his three sons, Darren, Boyd and Scott; four grandchildren, Hailey, Riley, Mackayla and Jeffrey; three great-grandchildren, Landyn, Brycen and Halia; brother, Steve; sister, Mary (Larry) Shoemake and their children and grandchildren...

LaWanda Thone, born July 10, 1946 and passed away on Thursday June 24, 2021. LaWanda was born to Raymond and Margery Batson in Fisk, Missouri. She enjoyed spending time with her family, quilting and embroidery, gardening and the occasional trip to the casino...

Willine Blagg, 89, of Harviell, Missouri, passed away June 25. 2021 at her residence. She was born, September 30, 1931, at Tuckerman, Arkansas to the late Marlton Runsick and Agnes ‘Buchanan’ Runsick. On August 26, 1953, she was married to Billy J. Blagg, at Newport, Arkansas. He preceded her in death on July 29, 2012...

Joseph Lloyd Williams age 83 of Wappapello, Missouri, passed away on June 26, 2021 at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was born October 1, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan, son of Charles and Laura Thrasher Williams. He and Annetta Young were united in marriage on June 8, 1957...

Carol Lou LeGrand, daughter of the late Pearl Clifford Ward and Elsie Mae (Campbell) Ward was born September 8, 1944 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She departed this life on June 26, 2021 at her home in Ellsinore, Missouri, surrounded by her family and friends. She had attained the age of seventy-six years...

Beverly Joan Broege, 85, of Poplar Bluff passed away on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at her home. Beverly was born on October 18, 1935, to Robert and Ruby Smith in Charles City, Iowa. She married Keith Broege on March 25, 1953, in Charles City, Iowa. Beverly was a member of the Poplar Bluff congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her biggest joy in life was caring for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking, crafts, and sharing her faith with others...

Judith Emma Kinnard (80) March 1, 1941 - June 19, 2021 Judith Kinnard of Rockford, Illinois went home to be with her Lord and Savior June 19, 2021 at Citadel of Sterling in Sterling, Illinois. She was born to Ivan Lawrence and Bonnie Emma Hudson March 1, 1941 in Ripley County. She was the first of eight children...

Nancy D. Summers, 55, passed away on June 21, 2021. Born in Florida, the daughter of Eric Summers and Carol Fisher Summers. Nancy was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School. She was employed by Krannawetter Transport. She referred to herself as a Professional Transportation Materials Relocation Expert or truck driver. Nancy loved doing for others, playing pool, art design, cooking and fishing. Although she didn’t like having her picture taken, she always had a smile...

Mary Ann Coleman, 59, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Sunday, June 27, 2021. She was born August 16, 1961 in Osceola, Arkansas to the late Nelson Coleman and Gimma (Willis) Coleman. She enjoyed taking care of her home. Her favorite things to do were crossword puzzles, watching crime shows and TV Land old time series...

Tressie Moore, 81, of Neelyville, Missouri, passed away June 29, 2021 at home. Mrs. Moore was born April 24, 1940 in Corning. She was a homemaker and farmer’s wife. She enjoyed gardening, going to church, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of First Apostolic United Pentecostal Church in Corning...

Peggy J. Beauford, age 78, of Puxico, Missouri, died Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at her residence. Mrs. Beauford was born January 21, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, daughter of the late Floyd ‘Hobert’ and Virginia Johnson. On April 11, 1968, she married Ronald Beauford; they enjoyed over 53 years together. He survives...